Device and method for dispensing a beverage and imaging contrast agent

ABSTRACT

A device and method are provided for storing a prefilled liquid beverage, receiving an oral contrast imaging agent that is mixed with the prefilled liquid beverage, and dispensing a resulting beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture. The device has a body defining a chamber for storing the prefilled liquid beverage. A closure is movable between a closed position for sealing the prefilled liquid in the chamber, and an open position for (i) introducing the oral contrast imaging agent into the chamber for mixture with the prefilled liquid beverage, and (ii) dispensing the beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture. The device may include first graduations, a time scale and second graduations. The body defines a substantially smooth, axially extending patient information surface including thereon a plurality of marking spaces and respective patient information indicia associated with each marking space for marking thereon information relating to a respective patient.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/862,675, filed on Aug. 24, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.9,403,624, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/236,394, filed Aug. 24, 2009, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety as part of the presentdisclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices and methods for administeringoral contrast agents for X-ray, CT and MR imaging, and moreparticularly, to devices and methods for mixing oral contrast agentswith flavored beverages, and administering predetermined amounts of themixtures within predetermined time intervals before imaging.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

There are a variety of imaging techniques that have been used todiagnose disease in humans. One of the first techniques employed wasX-rays. In X-rays, the images of the patients' body reflect thedifferent densities of body structures. To improve the diagnosticutility of this imaging technique, contrast agents are employed toincrease the density difference between various structures, such asbetween the gastrointestinal tract and its surrounding tissues. Bariumsulfate and iodinated contrast media are the two primary pharmaceuticaloral contrast agents used for X-ray gastrointestinal studies tovisualize the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.Likewise, these same contrast agents are used for X-ray-based CT imagesto improve visualization and distension of the gastrointestinal tractand to provide improved contrast between the gastrointestinal tract andthe structures adjacent to it, such as the blood vessels and lymphnodes. Such gastrointestinal oral contrast agents increase the densityinside the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, andallow differentiation of the gastrointestinal system from thesurrounding structures. Such gastrointestinal oral contrast agents alsodistend the bowel lumen allowing better evaluation of bowel wallstructures, including abnormalities such as wall thickening or luminalobstruction.

Magnetic resonance imaging is another imaging technique; however, unlikeX-rays and CT, MR does not utilize ionizing radiation. MR employs amagnetic field, radiofrequency energy and magnetic field gradients tomake images of the body. The contrast or signal intensity differencesbetween tissues mainly reflect the T1 and T2 relaxation values and theproton density of the tissues. Like CT, MR can make cross-sectionalimages of the body and it is desirable for many MR scans that agastrointestinal contrast agent be administered to allow differentiationof the gastrointestinal system from the surrounding structures. Suchgastrointestinal oral contrast agents also distend the bowel lumenallowing better evaluation of bowel wall structures, includingabnormalities such as wall thickening or luminal obstruction.

Opacification of the gastrointestinal tract is a routine part of patientpreparation prior to CT examination of the abdomen and pelvis becauseproper filling and distention of the bowel lumen with contrast mediumfacilitates identification of the normal and abnormal anatomy. For thisreason, oral contrast agents are administered to the vast majority ofpatients undergoing CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis. Less commonly,oral contrast agents are administered to patients undergoing MR scans ofthe abdomen and pelvis.

In the early 1980s, when CT scan imaging was first gaining widespreaduse, the first oral agents used were the ionic iodinated contrastagents, comprised of the iodine-containing salts sodium diatrizoate,meglumine diatrizoate, or mixtures thereof. One example of the ioniciodinated oral contrast agents is Gastrografin® (Bracco Diagnostics,Princeton, N.J.), which is composed of the iodine-containing saltsmeglumine diatrizoate and sodium diatrizoate. Pharmaceutical agents likeGastrografin® were already approved for oral use and were widely used infull strength concentration for diagnostic gastrointestinal radiologyimaging. These products, as well as the newer non-ionic iodinated agentapproved for oral administration in the United States (e.g., iohexol,trade name Omnipaque®, GE Healthcare, Princeton, N.J.), were tooconcentrated in the form supplied by the manufacturers to be used forgastrointestinal opacification during CT imaging. These products were,therefore, diluted with water or other beverages in order to be of theproper concentration for optimal CT scan imaging.

Similarly, the gadolinium-based oral contrast agents, such asgadopentetate dimeglumine, are too concentrated in the form supplied bythe manufacturers to be used for gastrointestinal opacification duringMR imaging. These products must be diluted with water or other beveragein order to be of the proper concentration for optimal gastrointestinalopacification during MR imaging.

In addition to dilution for imaging, oral contrast agents are mixed withbeverages to improve palatability and taste. Due to the bitter andunpleasant taste of oral contrast agents, and the relatively largevolume of liquid that must be consumed, many patients have difficultydrinking an oral contrast agent unless it is mixed with a beverage thatmasks the unpleasant taste. Soda, fruit juices, flavored water orpowdered drink mixes such as Kool-Aid™ or Crystal Light™ have been mixedwith oral contrast agents to improve palatability and taste. In somecases, the beverage is poured, or in the case of powdered drink mixescombined with water, in a pitcher or similar container. The oralcontrast agent is then added to the beverage in the pitcher anddispensed in a cup to the patient. The pitcher may contain the dilutedoral contrast for a single patient or for multiple patients.

Using a pitcher and dispensing the oral contrast agent in a cup resultsin difficulty in monitoring and ensuring that the patient consumes thedesired quantity of oral contrast agent over the time periodestablished, particularly if the pitcher is used for oral contrast agentfor more than one patient. It is also difficult to provide labeling ormeans to write on the pitcher the dose or type of oral contrast used,the patient name and medical identification number, and other data thatmay be of medical or regulatory significance.

In other cases, the dilute oral contrast agent is mixed and dispensed ina series of cups Because typically 32 ounces or more of the dilute oralcontrast agent must be consumed by the patient, multiple cups arerequired. The use of multiple cups of oral contrast agent results indifficulty in monitoring the rate of consumption. In addition, labelingof the cups is typically minimal, and in some cases no labeling is usedat all.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a container or otherdevice for administration of oral contrast agent that allowed the userto obtain the proper concentration and dilution of the oral contrastagent, monitor consumption of the oral contrast agent to ensure thatproper quantities are consumed within the time period established,and/or provide easy labeling to track information such as the patientname, oral contrast agent used, concentration of oral contrast agent inthe container, date and time of preparation, and quantities to beconsumed for specific time periods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention is directed toa device for storing a beverage, receiving an oral contrast imagingagent that is mixed with the beverage, and dispensing a resultingbeverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture. The device comprises abody defining a chamber for receiving the beverage. A closure is movablebetween a closed position for sealing the chamber, and an open positionfor (i) introducing the oral contrast imaging agent into the chamber formixture with a beverage, and/or (ii) dispensing the beverage/oralcontrast imaging agent mixture. A liquid volume scale is located on thebody and includes a plurality of axially spaced first graduations. Eachfirst graduation is indicative of a respective volume of liquid in thechamber. A time scale is located on the body and includes a plurality ofaxially spaced second graduations. Each second graduation is (i)indicative of an approximate time at which a user should consume avolume of beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture corresponding toa respective first graduation, and/or (ii) adjacent to or overlying aspace for marking thereon an approximate time at which a user shouldconsume a volume of beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixturecorresponding to a respective first graduation.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the body includes anexternal wall defining a substantially transparent portion allowing auser to view a liquid within the chamber and determine (i) a volume ofliquid in the chamber, and/or (ii) a volume of liquid dispensed from thechamber, based on the liquid volume scale. In some such embodiments, thesubstantially transparent portion is an axially orlongitudinally-extending window located adjacent to the liquid volumescale. In some such embodiments, a label, such as a transparentshrink-wrap label, defines the axially or longitudinally-extendingwindow.

In some embodiments of the present invention, each second graduation ofthe time scale is a laterally extending line located adjacent to arespective first graduation. The device further includes a markingsurface located adjacent to each line to allow marking thereon with awriting instrument a respective time approximately at or before which auser should consume a volume of liquid corresponding to a respectivefirst graduation.

The currently preferred embodiments of the present invention preferablydefine a substantially smooth, axially extending patient informationsurface including thereon a plurality of marking spaces and respectivepatient information indicia associated with each marking space formarking thereon information relating to a respective patient. In somesuch embodiments, the patient information indicia relates to at least aplurality of the following: patient name, patient identification numberor alphanumeric indicia, patient room number, oral contrast imagingagent added to the beverage (including lot number and expiration date),volume of oral contrast imaging agent added to the beverage, the dateand/or time the beverage and oral contrast imaging agent were mixed, theperson that prepared the mixture, and device number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, orA, B, C, etc.) when more than one beverage/oral contrast imagingagent-containing device is to be consumed by the patient in a particulartemporal sequence.

Some embodiments of the present invention further comprise a separatepatient information label that is attachable to the body, is defined bya substantially flat sheet that allows a user to place the label on asubstantially flat surface and write thereon, and that includes thereona plurality of marking spaces and respective patient information indiciaassociated with each marking space for writing thereon informationrelating to a respective patient. In some such embodiments, the patientinformation indicia relates to at least a plurality of the following:patient name, patient identification number or alphanumeric indicia,patient room number, oral contrast imaging agent added to the beverage(including lot number and expiration date), volume of oral contrastimaging agent added to the beverage, the date and/or time the beverageand oral contrast imaging agent were mixed, the person that prepared themixture, and device number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or A, B, C, etc.) when morethan one beverage/oral contrast imaging agent-containing device is to beconsumed by the patient in a particular temporal sequence. Preferably,the patient information label is substantially the same size and shapeas the patient information surface on the body of the device forsubstantially entirely covering the patient information surface whenattached thereto.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed toa device for storing a beverage, receiving an oral contrast imagingagent that is mixed with the beverage, and dispensing a resultingbeverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture. The device comprises firstmeans for forming a chamber and receiving therein a beverage; and secondmeans movable between a closed position for sealing the chamber, and anopen position for (i) introducing an oral contrast imaging agent intothe chamber for mixture with a beverage in the chamber, and/or (ii)dispensing a beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture. A pluralityof third means are axially spaced relative to each other for indicatinga respective volume of a beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture inthe chamber. A plurality of fourth means are axially spaced relative toeach other adjacent to respective third means (i) for indicating anapproximate time at which a user should consume a respective volume of abeverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture in the chamber based on atleast one third means, and/or (ii) for marking thereon or adjacentthereto an approximate time at which a user should consume a respectivevolume of a beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture in the chamberbased on at least one third means.

In the currently preferred embodiments of the present invention, thefirst means is a body, the second means is a closure, each third meansis a graduation of a liquid volume scale, and each fourth means is agraduation of a time scale.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is directed toa method comprising the following steps:

providing a device with a chamber and a beverage within the chamber;

adding a predetermined amount of a water soluble oral contrast imagingagent to the beverage within the chamber;

mixing the beverage and oral contrast imaging agent within the chamberto form a beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture; and

administering to a person predetermined amounts of the beverage/oralcontrast imaging agent mixture at predetermined time intervals inaccordance with a time scale located on an externally visible surface ofthe device.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the method furthercomprises the step of marking the time scale at each of a plurality ofgraduations located on an externally visible surface of the device withrespective times. Each marked graduation indicates an approximate amountof the beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture to be consumed by arespective approximate time.

The currently preferred embodiments of the present invention furthercomprise the steps of providing a device including a liquid volume scaleappearing on an externally visible surface of the device including aplurality of spaced liquid volume graduations, and marking each timeadjacent to a respective liquid volume graduation to indicate (i) themixture volume to be administered approximately by expiration of therespective time, (ii) the total mixture volume to be administeredapproximately by expiration of the respective time, and/or (iii) themixture volume remaining in the chamber approximately by expiration ofthe respective time.

Currently preferred embodiments of the present invention furthercomprise the steps of providing a body defining a substantially smooth,axially extending patient information surface including thereon aplurality of marking spaces and respective patient information indiciaassociated with each marking space, and marking thereon informationrelating to a respective patient.

One advantage of the present invention, and/or of the currentlypreferred embodiments thereof, is that they allow a user to monitorconsumption of the oral contrast agent to ensure that proper quantitiesare consumed within the time period established, and/or provide easylabeling to track information such as the patient name, oral contrastagent used, concentration of oral contrast agent in the device, andquantities to be consumed for specific time periods.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention, and/or of thecurrently preferred embodiments thereof, will be come more readilyapparent in view of the following detailed description of the currentlypreferred embodiments and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a container embodying the presentinvention containing a prefilled volume of flavored beverage that isadapted to receive an oral contrast agent that is mixed with theflavored beverage to form a beverage/contrast agent mixture, and thatincludes a volume scale and a time scale on an externally visiblesurface for identifying the amount of mixture that should be consumedapproximately on or before expiration of each respective time interval.

FIG. 2 is an opposite side elevational view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a separate patient information label thatcan be placed on a flat surface for writing or otherwise marking thepatient information on the label, and then attached to the label of thecontainer of FIG. 1 superimposed over the patient information section onthe container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1, a device embodying the present invention is indicatedgenerally by the reference number 10. The device 10 is a container inthe form of a plastic bottle defining a substantially cylindrical body12, a neck 14 at the top of the bottle, and a curvilinear shoulder 16extending between the cylindrical body and neck. A closure in the formof a threaded cap 18 is threadedly connected to the neck 14 to seal thebottle. The interior of the bottle defines a fluid receiving chamber 20.The chamber 20 is prefilled with a flavored beverage adapted for mixturewith an oral contrast imaging agent, such as a water soluble oralcontrast imaging agent. In the currently preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the flavored beverage is of the type disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/478,794, filed on Jun. 5, 2009,entitled “Palatable Liquid Dilution Vehicles for Oral Contrast Agents”,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as part of thepresent disclosure. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinaryskill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the beveragemay take the form of any of numerous different beverages that arecurrently known, or that later become known, and that are suitable formixture with an oral contrast imaging agent, such as water, flavoredbeverages, and non-flavored beverages. As shown typically in FIG. 1,when the container 10 is prefilled with a beverage the chamber 20defines an empty head space 22 extending between the prefilled beverageand the neck 14.

The container 10 includes a label 23. In the illustrated embodiment, thelabel 23 is a shrink-wrap label that covers substantially the entirebody 12 and shoulder 14 of the container 10. The label 23 defines alongitudinally-extending, substantially transparent window 24. In theillustrated embodiment, the window 24 is defined either by a narrow,elongated slot formed in the label or by a narrow, elongated,substantially transparent portion of the label. The container 10 furtherincludes a liquid volume scale 26 located on one side of the transparentwindow 24, a time scale 28 laterally spaced adjacent to the liquidvolume scale 26, and a patient information section 30 located on anopposite side of the window 24 relative to the volume and time scales 26and 28, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid volume scale 26 includes a plurality ofliquid volume graduations 32 that are axially spaced relative to eachother at predetermined distances adjacent to the elongated window 24. Ascan be seen, a plurality of the liquid volume graduations 32 are markedwith respective numerical indicia 34 located adjacent to the graduationto indicate a respective volume of liquid within the chamber 20. Aplurality of unmarked liquid graduations 32 are substantially equallybetween adjacent marked liquid graduations 32. In the illustratedembodiment, the indicia 34 indicate the volume of liquid remaining inthe chamber 20 at the level of the respective marked liquid volumegraduations 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the unmarked graduations32 are axially spaced approximately half way between adjacent markedgraduations. Therefore, a user can easily determine the volume at theunmarked graduations based on the volumes of the adjacent markedgraduations. In the illustrated embodiment, the marked liquid volumegraduations 32 are spaced a distance equal to approximately 100 mlrelative to each other. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, thehighest marked indicia 34 indicates that approximately 400 ml of liquidremains in the chamber at the level of the respective marked liquidvolume indicia 32, the next marked indicia 34 indicates thatapproximately 300 ml of liquid remains in the chamber at the level ofthe respective marked liquid volume indicia 32, the next marked indicia34 indicates that approximately 200 ml of liquid remains in the chamberat the level of the respective marked liquid volume indicia 32, and thenext marked indicia 34 indicates that approximately 100 ml of liquidremains in the chamber at the level of the respective marked liquidvolume indicia 32. Each unmarked liquid volume indicia 32 marks a volumethat is 50 ml less than or greater than the adjacent upper and lowermarked indicia 32, respectively. As may be recognized by those ofordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, theliquid volume scale may include any of numerous different graduationsand/or different types of graduations, any of numerous different typesof indicia for marking the graduations, and may include any desirednumber of graduations with our without associated indicia. In addition,the indicia may indicate any of numerous different types of information,such as the volume of liquid remaining at the respective level, thevolume of liquid between adjacent indicia or other indicia, and/or thevolume of liquid consumed when the level of liquid is at or near thelevel of the respective graduation.

The time scale 28 is laterally spaced adjacent to the volume scale 26and includes a plurality of time graduations 36 that are axially spacedrelative to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, each timegraduation 36 is laterally aligned with a respective liquid volumegraduation 32 and liquid volume indicia 34 and includes a blank spaceover the graduation and the word “time” printed adjacent to thegraduation and the blank space. The user, such as a medical orpharmaceutical technician, marks the blank space with the approximatetime by which the patient should consume the liquid beverage/contrastagent mixture to the level of the respective graduation 32 on the liquidvolume scale 26. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, thetechnician marks that time scale to indicate at the uppermost graduation36 the approximate time by which the volume of liquid in the chambershould be at the 400 ml level, marks the next lower graduation 36 toindicate the approximate time by which the volume of liquid in thechamber should be at the 300 ml level, marks the next lower graduation36 to indicate the approximate time by which the volume of liquid in thechamber should be at the 200 ml level, marks the next lower graduation36 to indicate the approximate time by which the volume of liquid in thechamber should be at the 100 ml level, and marks the space below thenext lower graduation 36 to indicate the approximate time by which thevolume of liquid in the chamber should be substantially entirelyconsumed. As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in thepertinent art based on the teachings herein, the time scale may take anyof numerous different configurations that are currently known, or thatlater become known. For example, the time scale may include any desirednumber of time graduations, or may include time graduations pre-markedwith respective times and/or time intervals at which the respectivevolumes of liquid in the chamber should be consumed. Further, thegraduations of the time and volume scales may take the form ofsubstantially horizontally extending lines as shown, or may take any ofnumerous other configurations that are currently known, or that laterbecome known.

The patient information section 30 includes a plurality of blank boxesand associated indicia printed within or adjacent to the box to indicatethe information that should be written or otherwise marked in the box.In the illustrated embodiment, the patient information boxes includeindicia for indicating the following information: patient name, patientidentification number or alphanumeric indicia, patient room number,contrast agent added to the beverage, volume of contrast agent added tothe beverage, the date and/or time the beverage and contrast agent weremixed, the person, such as the technician, that prepared the mixture andthe device number. The device number may be any indicator (1, 2, 3, etc.or A, B, C, etc) chosen to inform the patient and/or technician of theproper sequence when more than one beverage/oral contrast imagingagent-containing device is to be consumed by the patient in a particulartemporal sequence. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinaryskill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, this listingof patient information is only exemplary, and the patient informationsection 30 may include any of numerous different types of informationthat is desired or otherwise required, and that is currently known, orthat later becomes known.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 12 of the container defines alongitudinally extending, substantially smooth surface underlying thepatient information section 30 and the time scale 28. In the illustratedembodiment, the longitudinally extending, substantially smooth surfaceis defined by the cylindrical shaped body 12. One advantage of thisfeature is that it facilitates the ability of a technician or other userto mark or otherwise write the required or otherwise desired informationin the patient information section and on the time scale. As may berecognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on theteachings herein, the body of the container or other device may take anyof numerous different shapes and/or configurations that are currentlyknown, or that later become known, and thus the longitudinallyextending, substantially smooth surface underlying the time scale and/orthe patient information section may be defined by any of numerousdifferent structures of the container or other device that are currentlyknown, or that later become known.

As shown in FIG. 2, the side of the label 23 opposite the window 24,liquid volume scale 26, and time scale 28 may include conventionalinformation such as branding information, product ingredients, and/orany other required or otherwise desired labeling information.

Turning to FIG. 3, in an alternative embodiment, the device 10 furtherincludes a separate patient information label 38 that is attachable tothe external wall of the body 12, such as to the shrink-wrap label 23,and is defined by a substantially flat sheet 40 allowing a user to placethe label on a substantially flat surface and write thereon. Theseparate patient label 38 includes thereon a plurality of blank spaces,shown typically at 42, and respective patient information indiciaassociated with each blank space for writing thereon identificationinformation concerning a patient who will consume the beverage/oralcontrast imaging agent. In the illustrated embodiment, the patientinformation spaces 42 include respective indicia, shown typically at 44,for indicating the following information: patient name, patientidentification number or alphanumeric indicia, patient room number,contrast agent added to the beverage, volume of contrast agent added tothe beverage, the date and/or time the beverage and contrast agent weremixed, and the person, such as the technician, that prepared themixture. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in thepertinent art based on the teachings herein, this listing of patientinformation is only exemplary, and the separate patient informationlabel may include any of numerous different types of information that isdesired or otherwise required, and that is currently known, or thatlater becomes known.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, the separate patient informationlabel 38 is substantially the same size and shape as the patientinformation section 30 on the label cover 23 for substantially entirelycovering the patient information surface when attached thereto. In thecurrently preferred embodiment, the separate patient information label38 is adhesively backed with a pressure sensitive adhesive forattachment to the label cover 23 in a position superimposed on orotherwise overlying the patient information section 30 to cover thatsurface (but not the window, and preferably not any other informationbearing surfaces of the cover). In one exemplary embodiment, a pluralityof such labels are provided in sheet form, wherein the top side of thesheet includes a plurality of labels printed thereon and separated byperforated lines or other frangible portions therebetween that areformed in the sheet to allow the individual labels to be manuallyseparated from the sheet, an adhesive layer on the underside of thesheet for adhesively attaching each label to a respective container orother device, and a releasable backing releasably attached to theadhesive-backed side of the sheet. In another exemplary embodiment, theadhesive-backed labels and releasable backings are provided in rollform. Accordingly, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the separate patientinformation labels may be provided in any of numerous different formsand/or configurations that are currently known, or that later becomeknown.

In the use of the device 10, the chamber 22 of each container 10 isprefilled with a predetermined volume of flavored beverage that issealed within the container by the closure 18. The user, such as atechnician, removes the cap 18 to open the container, introduces apredetermined amount of oral contrast imaging agent through the openingand into the chamber 20, closes the cap 18 to reseal the container, andby shaking or other means mixes the beverage and oral contrast imagingagent into a resulting beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture. Asindicated above, each prefilled container 10 defines a predeterminedhead space 22 (indicated in phantom lines) that allows sufficient spaceto introduce the predetermined volume or amount of oral contrast imagingagent into the chamber without overflowing the chamber and/or otherwiseto provide sufficient space to conveniently mix the agent with thebeverage. Prior to or after mixture of the beverage and agent, the user,such as the technician, fills in the patient information section 30 andthe time scale 28. In the time scale 28, the user indicates theapproximate times at which the respective volumes of beverage/agentmixture as indicated by the volume scale 26 should be ingested by thepatient. The patient may then consume the beverage/contrast agentmixture in accordance with the volume and time scales 26 and 28,respectively. The window 24 allows the user and/or patient to monitorthe level of beverage/contrast agent mixture in the chamber 20 andensure that the patient consumes the appropriate volume at or prior toexpiration of each respective time or time value as indicated by thevolume and time scales. If necessary, the patient may consume severalcontainers, or each container may be sized to hold a sufficient volumeof beverage/contrast agent for a complete single patient procedure. Inthe currently preferred embodiments of the present invention a straw(not shown) is inserted through the opening of the container and used todrink the beverage/contrast agent mixture. However, if desired, thepatient can drink directly from the opening in the container rather thanuse a straw. As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in thepertinent art based on the teachings herein, the container may includeany of numerous different types of closures, spouts, nozzles, dispensingtips or other devices to facilitate dispensing and/or drinking thebeverage/contrast agent mixture.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent artbased on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may bemade to the above-described and other embodiments of the presentinvention without departing from the scope of the invention. Forexample, the device may take the form of a bottle as illustrated, or maytake the form of any of numerous other devices defining chambers forreceiving beverages and contrast agents. The containers or other devicesmay be made of any of numerous different types of plastics that arecurrently known or that later become known, and/or may be made of any ofnumerous different materials that are currently known or that laterbecome known, such as any of numerous different types of glass orrecycled materials. Similarly, the label covering the container or otherdevice may take the form of any of numerous different types of labelsthat are currently known, or that later become known, and/or the labelmay cover only a discrete portion or portions of the device, the devicemay include a plurality of such labels, or the device may not includeany such label. For instance, the device itself may have printed orotherwise formed thereon the various features of the preferredembodiments of the invention. The volume scale and/or the time scalelikewise can take the form of any of numerous different types of scalesthat are currently known or that later become known. For example, thetime scale may or may not have times or time values pre-marked orotherwise appearing thereon. Similarly, the volume scale need notinclude any volume markings or indicia adjacent to respectivegraduations. The graduations of either scale may or may not be evenly oruniformly spaced. The graduations may be defined by any of numerousdifferent markings or indicia, and different graduations may be definedby any of numerous different markings or indicia, that are currentlyknown, or that later become known. The patient information sectionlikewise can include indicia and/or blank spaces or other markingsurfaces for receiving any of numerous different types of informationthat are currently known or desired for such applications, or differentinformation. In addition, the container or other device may not beprefilled with a flavored beverage or other type of liquid; rather, thecontainer or other device may be provided empty and the user may fillthe container with the beverage and the contrast imaging agent, or thecontainer or other device may be provided with a dry powdered version orconcentrated liquid version of the beverage requiring reconstitutionwith water or other liquid prior to or after the addition of the oralcontrast agent. The beverage and oral imaging contrast agent similarlymay take the form of any of numerous different beverages and/or contrastagents for any of numerous different imaging modalities, that arecurrently known, or that later become known. Accordingly, this detaileddescription of the currently preferred embodiments is to be taken in anillustrative as opposed to a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising the following steps: addingto a liquid beverage within a chamber of a container including a bodydefining the chamber and an orally-engageable opening to the chamber apredetermined amount of an oral contrast imaging agent that is solublein the beverage, wherein the liquid beverage is filled to a first levelwithin the chamber; mixing the beverage and oral contrast imaging agentwithin the chamber to form a beverage/oral contrast imaging agentmixture; marking the container with a time scale, wherein the markingstep includes, when the chamber is filled to the first level with saidliquid, placing a first marking on the body, the first markingindicating a second level of liquid within the chamber that is below thefirst level and also below a level of liquid within the chamber when theplacing step is performed, the first marking comprising (i) a first timeor (ii) a first time interval (a) that is later than a time when thestep of placing the first marking on the body is performed; and (b) bywhich a user should consume the liquid beverage through theorally-engageable opening to the indicated second level within thechamber; and administering to a patient predetermined amounts of thebeverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture by the first time or thefirst time interval in accordance with the time scale that is located onan externally visible surface of the container prior to saidadministering.
 2. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising thestep of marking the time scale at each of one or more graduationslocated on an externally visible surface of the container withrespective one or more times or time intervals, wherein each markedgraduation indicates an approximate amount of the beverage/oral contrastimaging agent mixture to be consumed by approximately a respective timeor time interval.
 3. A method as defined in claim 2, further comprisingadministering to the patient a respective predetermined volume of thebeverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture approximately at or beforeexpiration of each respective marked time or time interval.
 4. A methodas defined in claim 2, wherein the container includes a liquid volumescale appearing on an externally visible surface of the containerincluding a plurality of spaced liquid volume graduations, and themethod further comprises marking each time or time interval adjacent toa respective liquid volume graduation to indicate one or more of (i) themixture volume to be administered approximately by expiration of therespective time of time interval, (ii) the total mixture volume to beadministered approximately by expiration of the respective time or timeinterval, or (iii) the mixture volume remaining in the chamberapproximately by expiration of the respective time or time interval. 5.A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the container defines asubstantially transparent portion and a liquid volume scale, and furthercomprising the step of viewing or directing the patient to view throughthe substantially transparent portion the volume of a prefilledbeverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture in the chamber, anddetermine based thereon and the liquid volume scale one or more of (i) avolume of prefilled beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture in thechamber, or (ii) a volume of prefilled beverage/oral contrast imagingagent mixture dispensed from the chamber.
 6. A method as defined inclaim 1, further comprising the step of marking each of one or moregraduations on the time scale to indicate a respective time or timeinterval approximately at or by which a user should consume a respectivevolume of liquid.
 7. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the bodydefines a substantially smooth, axially extending patient informationsurface including thereon a plurality of marking spaces and respectivepatient information indicia associated with each marking space, and themethod further comprising marking thereon information relating to arespective patient.
 8. A method as defined in claim 7, furthercomprising the step of marking the spaces of the patient informationsurface with a plurality of the following: patient name, patientidentification number or alphanumeric indicia, patient room number, oralcontrast imaging agent added to the beverage, volume of oral contrastimaging agent added to the beverage, the data or time the beverage andoral contrast imaging agent were mixed, the person that prepared themixture, or container number when more than one beverage/oral contrastimaging agent-containing container is to be consumed by a patient in aparticular temporal sequence.
 9. A method as defined in claim 7,wherein, prior to the adding step, the beverage is sealed within thechamber by a closure, and the adding step includes removing the closureand introducing into the chamber the predetermined amount of oralcontrast imaging agent.
 10. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein,prior to the administering step, the beverage/oral contrast imagingagent mixture fills the chamber to a first level within the chamber andthe time scale is located on the externally visible surface below saidfirst level.
 11. A method of administering a liquid to a person, themethod comprising: providing the person with a container including: abody defining a chamber containing a pre-filled predetermined volume ofliquid to a first level within the chamber and an orally-engageableopening to the chamber; an orally-engageable opening to the chamber; anda time scale located on an externally visible surface of the device; and(i) administering the liquid to the person or (ii) directing the personto consume the liquid by at least one predetermined time or timeinterval in accordance with the time scale; wherein the method furthercomprises, prior to the providing step, marking the container with thetime scale, wherein the marking step includes, when the chamber isfilled to the first level with said liquid, placing a first marking onthe body, the first marking indicated a second level of liquid withinthe chamber that is below the first level and also below a level ofliquid within the chamber when the placing step is performed, the firstmarking comprising (i) a first time or (ii) a first time interval (a)that is later than a time when the step of placing the first marking onthe body is performed; and (b) by which the person should consume theliquid through the orally-engageable opening to the indicated secondlevel within the chamber.
 12. A method as defined in claim 11, furthercomprising marking the time scale at each of one or more graduationslocated on an externally visible surface of the container withrespective one or more times or time intervals, wherein each markedgraduation indicates an approximate amount of the liquid to be consumedapproximately by a respective time or time interval.
 13. A method asdefined in claim 12, further comprising administering to the person arespective predetermined volume of the liquid approximately at or beforethe expiration of each respective marked time or time interval.
 14. Amethod as defined in claim 12, wherein the container includes a liquidvolume scale appearing on an externally visible surface of the containerincluding a plurality of spaced liquid volume graduations, and themethod further comprises marking each time or time interval adjacent toa respective liquid volume graduation to indicate one or more of (i) thevolume to be administered approximately by expiration of the respectivetime or time interval, (ii) the total volume to be administeredapproximately by expiration of the respective time or time interval, or(iii) the volume remaining in the chamber approximately by expiration ofthe respective time or time interval.
 15. A method as defined in claim11, wherein, the administering step comprises directing the patient toconsume the liquid to the second level by the time or time intervalindicated on the first marking.
 16. A method as defined in claim 15,wherein the time scale further comprises a second marking located on thebody below the first marking, the second marking indicating a thirdlevel or liquid within the chamber that is below said second level, thesecond marking further comprising (i) a second time later than the firsttime or (ii) a second time interval, wherein said first marking islocated closer to the orally engageable opening than said secondmarking, and the administering step comprises directing the patient toconsume the liquid to the third level at the time or time intervalindicated on the second marking.
 17. A method as defined in claim 11,wherein the liquid is an oral contrast imaging agent suitable for one ormore of X-ray, CT, or MR imaging.
 18. A method as defined in claim 11,wherein the container defines a substantially transparent portion and aliquid volume scale, and further comprising the step of viewing ordirecting the patient to view through the substantially transparentportion the volume of liquid in the chamber, and determining basedthereon and the liquid volume scale one or more of (i) a volume ofliquid in the chamber, or (ii) a volume of liquid dispensed from thechamber.
 19. A method as defined in claim 11, further comprising thestep of marking each of one or more graduations on the time scale toindicate a respective time or time interval approximately at or by whichthe person should consume a respective volume of liquid.
 20. A method asdefined in claim 19, wherein each time graduation is laterally alignedwith a respective volume graduation, and further comprising marking eachtime or time interval adjacent to a respective volume graduation toindicate one or more of (i) the mixture volume to be administeredapproximately by expiration of the respective time or time interval;(ii) the total mixture volume to be administered by expiration of therespective time or time interval; or (iii) the mixture volume remainingin the chamber approximately by expiration of the respective time ortime interval.
 21. A method as defined in claim 11, wherein the personis a patient, and further comprising the steps of marking informationrelating to said patient on a patient information label defining asubstantially smooth, axially extending patient information surfaceincluding thereon a plurality or marking spaces and respective patientinformation indicia associated with each marking space, and affixing thepatient information label to the body.
 22. A method as defined in claim21, further comprising the step of marking the spaces of the patientinformation surface with a plurality of the following: patient name,patient identification number or alphanumeric indicia, patient roomnumber, oral contrast imaging agent added to the beverage, volume oforal contrast imaging agent added to the beverage, the date or time thebeverage and oral contrast imaging agent were mixed, the person thatprepared the mixture, or container number when more than onebeverage/oral contrast imaging agent-containing container is to beconsumed by a patient in a particular temporal sequence.
 23. A method asdefined in claim 21, wherein the body includes thereon a substantiallysmooth, axially extending patient information surface including thereona plurality of marking spaces for marking patient information thereonand patient indicia associated with each marking space, and affixingstep includes attaching the patient information label to the body in aposition overlying the patient information surface of the body.
 24. Amethod as defined in claim 11, further comprising, prior to providingthe container to the person, affixing a label to an external wall of thecontainer, wherein the label includes printed thereon one or more of aliquid volume scale or the time scale.
 25. A method comprising: markinga container with a time scale, wherein the container includes a bodydefining a chamber and an orally-engageable opening to the chamber, thechamber containing a liquid filled to a first level within the chamber;wherein the marking step includes, when the chamber is filled to thefirst level with said liquid, placing a first marking on the body, thefirst marking indicating a second level of liquid within the chamberthat is below the first level and also below a level of liquid withinthe chamber when the placing step is performed, the first markingcomprising (i) a first time or (ii) a first time interval (a) that islater than a time when the step of placing the first marking on the bodyis performed; and (b) by which a user should consume the liquid throughthe orally-engageable opening to the indicated second level within thechamber.
 26. A method as defined in claim 25, further comprising placinga second marking on the body located below the first marking andindicating with the second marking a third level of liquid within thechamber that is below said second level and also below a level of liquidwithin the chamber when the step of placing the second marking on thebody is performed, wherein said first marking is located closer to theorally-engageable opening than said second marking, the second markingcomprising (i) a second time later than the first time or (ii) a secondtime interval by which a user should consume the liquid through theorally-engageable opening to the indicated third level within thechamber.
 27. A method as defined in claim 25, wherein, prior to themarking step, the chamber contains a beverage at a fourth level ofliquid within the chamber that is below the first level and apredetermined volume of head space above the fourth level for receivinga volume of oral contrast imaging agent for mixture with the beveragewithin the chamber, and the method further includes adding or mixing avolume of oral contrast imaging agent to the beverage to provide theliquid at the first level at a proper concentration of oral contrastimaging agent for imaging.
 28. A method as defined in claim 25, whereinthe liquid comprises a mixture of a beverage and an oral contrast agent.29. A method as defined in claim 25, wherein the placing step includesselecting the second level relative to the first level to define adesired volume to be consumed by the user by the first time or the firsttime interval.
 30. A method as defined in claim 29, wherein theselecting step includes selecting the second level based on a liquidvolume scale located on the body indicating a volume of liquid in thechamber.
 31. A method as defined in claim 26, wherein the step ofplacing the first marking includes selecting the second level relativeto the first level to define a desired volume of liquid to be consumedby the user by the first time or the first time interval, and the stepof placing the second marking includes selecting the third levelrelative to the second level to define a desired volume of liquid to beconsumed by the user by the second time or the second time interval. 32.A method as defined in claim 31, wherein the step of selecting thesecond level includes selecting the second level based on a liquidvolume scale located on the body indicating a volume of liquid in thechamber, and the step of selecting the third level includes selectingthe third level based on the liquid volume scale.
 33. A methodcomprising: consuming liquid from a device defining a chamber and anorally-engageable opening to the chamber, wherein the liquid is filledto a first level within the chamber and the device includes, when thechamber is filled to said first level with said liquid, a time scalethereon indicating at least one level of liquid within the chamber thatis below the first level and also below a level of liquid within thechamber when the consuming step is begun to which a user should consumeliquid from the chamber according to the time scale, wherein theconsuming step includes: consuming liquid from the chamber through theorally-engageable opening; and consuming liquid from the chamber to theat least one level according to the time scale.
 34. A method as definedin claim 33, wherein the at least one level includes a second level ofliquid within the chamber that is below the first level and also belowthe level of liquid within the chamber when the consuming step is begun,and the time scale includes a first marking comprising (i) a first timeor (ii) a first time interval by which a user should consume the liquidthrough the orally-engageable opening to the second level within thechamber, and the step of consuming liquid from the chamber to the atleast one level includes consuming liquid from the chamber to the secondlevel by the first time or the first time interval.
 35. A method asdefined in claim 34, wherein the at least one level further includes athird level of liquid within the chamber that is below the second leveland located further away from the orally-engageable opening than thesecond marking, and the time scale includes a second marking comprising(i) a second time later than the first time or (ii) a second timeinterval by which a user should consume the liquid through theorally-engageable opening to the third level within the chamber, and thestep of consuming liquid from the chamber to the at least one levelfurther includes consuming liquid from the chamber to the third level bythe second time or the second time interval.
 36. A method as defined inclaim 33, wherein the liquid comprises a mixture of a beverage and anoral contrast agent.